PROJECT ZINDA VIRASAT · LIVING HERITAGEDocumenting since December 2024

ABOUT / PROJECT ZINDA VIRASAT

Living heritage begins with listening.

Project Zinda Virasat Living Heritage — HistoryLensZindaVirasat by Reeva Chopra. A digital archive rooted in the craft, labour and social histories of lime masonry.

FOUNDED DECEMBER 2024

HistoryLensZindaVirasat by Reeva Chopra

Reeva Chopra began documenting lime masonry in December 2024. HistoryLensZindaVirasat brings together artisan voices, family perspectives, field photographs and research so that the people behind Punjab’s built heritage remain visible in its history.

The archive’s purpose is social as well as architectural: to preserve transmitted knowledge, recognise the household work behind a craft, explore the effects of changing demand, and help skilled masons connect with employment.

DOCUMENTATION JOURNEY

A collection that keeps growing.

December 2024

Documentation begins

Reeva Chopra starts documenting the craft under Project Zinda Virasat.

Field collection

The work, photographed

Preparation, brick repair, plaster application and finishing enter the visual archive.

Oral-history collection

People and households

Punjabi testimonies and English translations record artisan and family perspectives.

Workshop collection

Beyond the construction site

A 24-photograph collection documents the traditional work yard and daily surroundings.

Living directory

Knowledge connected to work

Sixteen artisan contacts support direct hiring; 300 hours of work have been booked through the website.

VOICE OF AMRITSAR NGO

Acknowledged in the community.

HistoryLensZindaVirasat documentation has been used, acknowledged and commended by Voice of Amritsar NGO.

The archive’s collections

Oral accounts retain speakers’ memories and opinions in Punjabi and English. Research articles provide material context, with credited sources. The photographs document the project’s fieldwork, artisans and workshop spaces. Each record has a stable catalogue identifier so it can be revisited and cited.

Sources & credits →